For many, a cruise vacation is perhaps a once a year kind of vacation, but there are folks that cruise much more often than that, including myself.

We’d all love to cruise frequently with Royal Caribbean—or perhaps even live on a cruise ship—but what are the downsides to cruising a lot?

Millions of passengers sail on cruise ships each year, many of whom find themselves cruising several times per year. It’s not uncommon for those living near a cruise port to sail once a month (or even more!).

Like anything in life, though, doing something too frequently has its downsides. This isn't meant to be any kind of pity party for those of us that cruise often. Rather, I wanted to share with you an inside look at the realities of going on cruise ships often.

Suffice to say, I'm very lucky to have a job that allows me to cruise many times in a year and I love going on ships as a means of not only work, but a way to see the world.

From spending less time at home to gaining a few inches on the waistline, here are the top downsides to cruising a lot.

Cruising becomes less special

If you do anything too frequently, it loses its charm. The same can be said about cruising, and the more you cruise, the less likely you are to experience that “WOW” feeling you had when you boarded a Royal Caribbean cruise for the first time.

Cruising frequently—whether once a month or once a week—turns what would be a special experience into a routine. Elegant three course meals, complimentary entertainment, and a daily schedule of activities become your average day-to-day life instead of something unique.

If you start to feel dulled by the cruise experience, it might be best to take a short break from cruising so you can appreciate it more next time you get onboard.

Less time at home

The more you cruise, the less time you’ll spend at home. And while this may be a trade-off many frequent cruisers are happy to make, it’s important to realize the downsides of spending less time at home.

Cruising frequently means spending less time with your pets, friends, and family members. Not much makes me feel worse than when I'm cruising and picture my dog anxiously waiting for my return home!

Taking cruises a lot can be challenging if you have kids in school, too, and there’s a possibility they’ll fall behind on schoolwork if you take them out of class to cruise.

Before planning frequent cruises, account for how much time you’ll be away and whether commitments at home will allow you to do so.

Overindulgence of food and drinks

One downside to cruising a lot is that, unfortunately, your waistline might increase by a few sizes. Whether a second dessert at dinner or unlimited cocktails on the pool deck, most cruisers find themselves overindulging onboard.

If you cruise a lot, it’s possible you’ll find yourself eating and drinking much more than you otherwise would at home. This can wreak havoc on any healthy eating goals, although there are a few ways to combat cruise ship weight gain.

Related: How I kept from gaining weight on my cruise

Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator, opting not to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package, and going on daily walks on the jogging track.

Watching the same shows over and over

Because Royal Caribbean ships often stick to the same homeport for several years, many frequent cruisers who live by a cruise port find themselves sailing on the same few ships over and over.

While there’s nothing wrong with this, one downside to sailing multiple times on the same ship is that the entertainment doesn’t regularly change.

Luckily, Royal Caribbean offers stellar entertainment options, from full-length Broadway musicals to brilliant AquaTheater performances. Therefore, even if you do end up sailing on the same ship several times, you’re still guaranteed to be wowed each time you see a show.

Visiting the same destinations

Although Royal Caribbean offers cruises to a diverse array of destinations around the world, many frequent cruisers find themselves sailing to the same few ports.

Texans who only cruise out of Galveston, for example, will usually only sail to ports in the Western Caribbean such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Belize City. Additionally, those in the northeast will have few choices, with the Bahamas or Canada being the most common options.

Related: 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

If you’re open to flying frequently, you can cruise to a wide range of destinations. For those who live near a cruise port, though, it’s often more tempting to pick the most convenient cruise possible, even if it visits a port you’ve been to twenty times before.

It can get expensive

While the idea of cruising a lot seems nice, the reality is that planning a cruise vacation frequently gets expensive.

It’s not uncommon to find cheap cruise deals for $50 a night per person, but if you cruise once a month (or even more frequently), you’ll be shelling away thousands of dollars throughout the year.

Related: How much does a cruise cost?

Add in the cost of internet, shore excursions, drinks, and specialty dining, and cruising several times a year can become cost-prohibitive for many cruisers.

The bottom line: should you cruise a lot or less often?

Even though there are downsides to cruising a lot, the advantages still outweigh the drawbacks. There’s something to be said about island hopping to gorgeous destinations on the regular, and I’ll always choose to cruise whenever I have the opportunity.

That being said, it’s important to realize that there are certain downsides to cruising often. Less time at home, spending too much money on vacations, and even becoming jaded with the cruising experience are all valid concerns with planning a cruise too often.

If you cruise frequently, have you experienced any of these downsides to cruising a lot? Let us know in the comments below!

Royal Caribbean cruises can cost as little as $50 per person, per night, but what’s the catch? Although it’s possible to find cheap cruise deals on Royal Caribbean, you should expect to pay more than what is advertised on the sticker price.

Budgeting for extras like gratuities, taxes and fees, shore excursions, and drinks are just some of the added expenses that come with any cruise. Plus, if you book the cheapest cruise deal you find, you'll have little choice over the ship, itinerary, and cabin category.

If you remain flexible, though, and understand what to expect when booking a cheap cruise, you can have a spectacular vacation for as little as $50 a day.

Here’s everything you need to know before you book a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise.

Manage your expectations

When booking a cheap, $50 per night cruise, you’ll probably be in an inside cabin.

If you book the cheapest cruise deal you can find, odds are that you’ll be sailing in an inside cabin. These windowless cabins are the smallest and lowest stateroom category found on a cruise ship, but that doesn’t mean they should be avoided.

Related: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Inside cabins provide the same cozy amenities found in other staterooms, including a king bed, couch or chair, television, closets, vanity area, and private bathroom. Plus, because you’ll save money on cruise fare by staying in an inside cabin, you can stretch your vacation budget much further than if you were to book a balcony or suite stateroom.

Know the difference between a guarantee stateroom and choosing your cabin location.

Before booking a cheap cruise, check to see whether the cruise fare you’re booking is for a guarantee cabin or if you can pick your own cabin location.

A guarantee cabin is when Royal Caribbean assigns your stateroom location, meaning you are unable to select exactly where on the ship your cabin will be. If you aren’t picky about your cabin location, booking a guarantee rate can be a nice way to save money.

If you’d prefer picking your own cabin location, though, expect to pay slightly more per person on the cruise fare.

The cheapest cruises are usually on Royal Caribbean’s older ships. Before booking a $50 per night cruise, research the ship to decide if it’s the best fit for you.

There’s a good chance you’ll find the cheapest cruise fares on Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ships. Vision and Radiance Class cruise ships often have the best deals available; these ships are in far less demand than brand new cruise ships like Odyssey of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

Related: Pros and Cons of sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship

While there’s nothing wrong with sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship, it’s important to manage your expectations about the ship before boarding. If you book a $50 per night cruise expecting the most updated amenities, activities, and dining venues, you’ll end up disappointed.

Most cheap cruises are during the off-season. It's unlikely you'll find a $50 per night cruise during peak season.

Royal Caribbean’s pricing varies drastically depending on the month you sail. Alaska cruises, for example, are priced highest in June, July, and August, but you can usually find fantastic cruise deals to Alaska in May and September.

Likewise, cruises during the holidays are always in high demand, leading to some of the highest prices found all year. As a general rule of thumb, the best Royal Caribbean cruise prices are found during the school year, and more expensive prices are typical during school breaks.

Related: What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

The lowest price per night on a cruise vacation is often found on longer sailings as opposed to short cruises.

While it’s possible to find a $50 per person, per night cruise fare on short sailings, you’ll have the most luck finding cheap deals on longer cruises. Longer cruises, especially those over 7 nights, offer a lower cost per day than shorter sailings.

Some of the absolute cheapest prices per day are found on repositioning cruises on older ships. As ships move from one homeport to another, they often need to cross an ocean, leading to a sailing 10-18 days in length.

It’s common to find prices as low as $50 per person, per day on these sailings, and they visit some of Royal Caribbean’s most unique destinations, from Madeira to the Azores.

Extra costs to consider when booking a cheap cruise

Before booking a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to understand the extra costs associated with a cruise vacation. Airfare, gratuities, and onboard add-ons can significantly increase the price of your cruise. Because of this, you should never view the baseline cruise fare as the entire vacation cost.

Here are some extra costs you may incur when booking a cheap cruise:

Taxes & fees

If you browse Royal Caribbean’s website and are stunned to see a $100 cruise fare on a 3-night sailing, check the fine print below the cruise fare. The price listed in big, bold numbers does not include taxes, fees, and port expenses.

You can expect to pay between $50 and $250 per person for these additional expenses on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The exact taxes, fees, and port expenses vary depending on the destinations your ship will visit.

Airfare & Parking

Unless you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance to a cruise port, you’ll have to purchase airfare to your cruise.

Airfare prices can range from cheap $50 fares on budget airlines to $1000 transatlantic flights. Before booking a cruise, consider the travel cost to the embarkation port. If flying to Barcelona negates the savings of a cheap cruise fare, you might want to consider booking a cruise closer to home.

Likewise, even though one-way Alaska cruise deals are usually cheaper than roundtrip sailings, you’ll have to account for booking two one-way flights, which can often be significantly more expensive than a roundtrip flight itinerary.

If you’re driving to port instead of flying, budget for parking at the cruise terminal. Parking at or near a cruise terminal generally costs between $15 to $25 per day.

Gratuities

All passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise must pay gratuities, which can be prepaid before your sailing or charged on a daily basis once onboard. Gratuities are a way to reward crew members–including dining and bar staff, stateroom attendants, and hotel service teams–for excellent service.

Gratuities on a Royal Caribbean cruise are $16 per person, per night in Junior Suites and below and $18.50 per person, per night for passengers in Grand Suites and above. In addition, an 18% gratuity will be added to any beverages, specialty dining, mini bar purchases, and spa & salon services.

Pre-cruise hotel stay

Another pre-cruise purchase to account for–particularly if you’re flying to your cruise port–is a hotel stay the night before you embark the ship.

We always recommend arriving in your embarkation city the day before your cruise, as it gives extra wiggle room and flexibility in case of any travel delays. However, one additional cost required by arriving the day before is a hotel stay.

Related: Best Miami hotels near the cruise port

Hotels in cruise ports can range from $100 per night to over $500, depending on your budget and preferences. A rule of thumb is to budget around ~$200-250 for a pre-cruise hotel stay per night.

Drinks & specialty dining

While not a mandatory purchase, many passengers choose to spend extra on drinks and specialty dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

While it’s possible to spend an entire cruise without spending extra on food and drinks, purchasing cocktails, mocktails, soda, and specialty restaurant meals is a way many cruisers like to enjoy their cruise vacation.

Related: What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

Expect to pay between $10-14 for alcoholic beverages, $3 for a can of soda, and $8-9 for mocktails. Specialty dining costs around $25 per person for lunch and $50-60 per person for dinner.

Shore excursions

Shore excursions are another optional add-on for any cruise vacation, and organized tours can cost as little as $25 per person up to $500+ per person. Most excursions will cost between $50-100.

Excursions aren’t necessary, however, and you can almost always save money by planning a day in port on your own. Nonetheless, excursions still come with benefits, from offering a convenient way to see a destination’s top attractions to having added protections when booking through Royal Caribbean.

Related: Is it better to book excursions through the cruise ship?

Internet

If you plan to purchase internet on a Royal Caribbean cruise, budget around $18-20 per device, per day. Note that multiple people can share a 1-device internet package (the cheapest option), but both cannot use the internet on their devices at the same time.

If you don’t want to spend money on an internet package, you can always find internet in port at cafes and restaurants.

Bottom line: should you book a $50 per night cruise?

Cruises offer one of the best values in a vacation; food, entertainment, activities, and accommodations are included in one set price. A $50 per night cruise will almost certainly bring more value to your vacation compared to booking a hotel or resort on land.

Nonetheless, it’s important to understand what extra costs you may incur on a cheap cruise and what to expect once onboard. Although you may not sail on the newest ship or in the most luxurious cabin, there’s nothing wrong with booking a cheap cruise with the right expectations.

If you're flying to your cruise, take heed of what happened today as an important reminder of what not to do.

Today’s air travel fiasco following a Federal Aviation Administration computer outage affected over 8,000 flights today (and counting), and it reminded us why it’s important to fly to your cruise port the day before your cruise begins.

One of the absolute worst mistakes you can make when planning a cruise vacation is to fly to your embarkation port the same day your cruise begins.

Airline delays, cancellations, and other unexpected problems are common, so it’s crucial to plan enough buffer time with your flights to ensure you can make it to the ship on time.

What happened this morning at the Federal Aviation Administration?

Flights in the United States were grounded Wednesday morning following an overnight computer outage at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA’s pilot alerting system crashed, leading the agency to perform a hard reset of their system around 2 a.m.

The cause of the problem is still unknown, but there has not been any evidence of a cyber attack.

Around 7,100 flights in the United States were delayed Wednesday and over 1,100 canceled due to the outage, according to Flight Aware.

According to the FAA’s 7:15 a.m. EST statement, the agency “ordered airlines to pause all domestic departures until 9 a.m. Eastern Time to allow the agency to validate the integrity of flight and safety information.”

Just an hour later, at 8:15 a.m. EST, departures were already resuming at Newark Liberty (EWR) and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) airports. By 8:50 a.m. EST, normal air traffic operations were resuming across the country.

Despite departures resuming, it’s possible the outage will affect flights through Friday. The ripple effect caused by today’s grounding of flights may affect millions of passengers this week, many of whom will be forced to cancel or rebook trips.

After so many flight delays today, this is a great opportunity to remind those planning a cruise that booking air travel correctly can make the difference between making and missing your cruise vacation.

Don’t fly to your cruise port on embarkation day

There are too many unpredictable scenarios with air travel. Weather delays, missed connections, and yes, even a computer outage by the FAA, can potentially occur on any travel day.

Flying to your cruise port on embarkation day is risky, and you’re risking missing your cruise by doing so. A cruise ship will not wait for one passenger with a delayed flight when 5,000 other passengers are onboard and ready to set sail.

Related: The 20 worst cruise mistakes that will ruin your cruise vacation

Because of this, we always urge passengers to fly in at least one day before the cruise begins. By flying to your embarkation port the day or evening before, you have much more wiggle room in your flight schedule. If your first flight is delayed and you miss a connecting flight, you can always be placed on a flight later in the day. 

Likewise, if your flight is unexpectedly canceled, having 24 hours before your cruise departs gives you time to figure out an alternative way to the cruise terminal.

Here are a few additional ways to minimize the chance of travel delays when booking airfare before your cruise:

• Book a direct flight whenever possible
• Don’t book a layover shorter than 1 hour. If your first flight is delayed even 30 minutes, you may not catch the second flight on time.
• Book flights earlier in the day. There’s often a ripple effect of delays throughout the day as incoming flights arrive late. Booking the earliest flights of the day can help negate this issue.

Although you’ll have to pay for a hotel by arriving ahead of time, spending $200 on a place to stay for the night is much preferred to spending $2000 on a cruise only to miss the ship because of a travel delay.

As a plus, flying in early means you have extra time to explore your embarkation ports. Many of Royal Caribbean’s embarkation ports are located in the country’s most intriguing cities, from Miami to Los Angeles and New York. These cities make the perfect place to kick off your vacation one day early.

Other considerations to make when planning travel to your cruise

Outside of booking a flight the day before your cruise departs, there are a few other ways you can make your cruise vacation go much more smoothly.

First is to book your cruise with a travel agent. Following a major delay like the FAA encountered today, chaos can ensue with thousands of people calling airlines and cruise lines.

If you book your cruise with a travel agent, they can be the ones calling Royal Caribbean and figuring out an alternative scenario for your vacation plans. A travel agent should not cost you anything extra, meaning you have access to their helpful resources at no additional cost.

Related: Top 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation

Travel agents can be a lifesaver in stressful situations such as what happened today at airports across the country.

Another thing to consider is purchasing travel insurance before your cruise. While you may not end up using the insurance on your vacation, it’s always better to be prepared rather than need travel insurance when you don’t have it.

Travel insurance covers you from the moment you leave for your cruise vacation until when you return home. Depending on the plan, you should expect travel insurance to cover airline delays, cancellations, lost luggage, injury or sickness, and medical treatment onboard your cruise ship.

If you cruise frequently, you may even want to consider an annual travel insurance plan, which can cost as little as $125-300 per person.

Related: Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?

We recommend the following travel insurance companies for your cruise:

• Allianz Travel Insurance (great for annual plans)
• AIG Travel Guard
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
• Travelsafe Insurance

The Bottom Line

With so many flight delays and cancellations today, the Federal Aviation Administration outage served as a reminder to never book flights the same day your cruise begins. Far too many people risk their entire cruise vacation by booking a same-day flight, and in our opinion, it's never worth it.

As you plan your next cruise vacation, be sure to book flights that leave plenty of time for you to make it to your ship in time. After all, it's much better to spend an extra night by the beach in Miami than to start your vacation stressed about missing the ship!

Cruising to Alaska is a bucket-list worthy vacation, but it’s important to consider your travel style before booking a cruise. Are you a budget-traveler or do you prefer to travel in luxury? Are you traveling with kids? Do you have any itinerary preferences?

These are all important questions to consider before booking an Alaska cruise. Although you’ll experience Alaska’s scenic landscapes, world-class cuisine, and historic towns on any cruise itinerary, certain cruises may work better for one traveler over another.

Here are the best Alaska cruises for every travel style to ensure you book the best cruise for your vacation.

The glacier enthusiast

Best Alaska cruise: Multi Glacier Experience

Most Alaska cruise itineraries include a scenic viewing day at one of the state’s impressive glaciers. This is a major highlight for most passengers on an Alaska cruise; seeing these massive ice fields up close is a spectacular experience.

Related: 50 Alaska cruise tips you should use

Some itineraries, however, include multiple glaciers in one cruise. To find these itineraries, look for cruises titled “Multi Glacier Experience”.

A 7-night Multi Glacier Experience cruise on Brilliance of the Seas, for example, includes visits to both Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier.

The budget traveler

Best Alaska cruise: Anything in the shoulder season

Royal Caribbean sails to Alaska from late April to late September each year, with the peak season in June, July, and August.

Sailing in the shoulder seasons (April, May, and September) can lead to lower cruise fares, so booking a cruise in these months is perfect for those on a budget.

Related: What it’s like to go on an Alaska cruise in the early season

Cruising during shoulder season comes with its own set of pros and cons, though. You may encounter more unpredictable weather in the spring and fall, with chilly temperatures much more likely.

Wildlife viewing opportunities, on the other hand, can be a plus of sailing in shoulder season. Orcas, for example, are most likely to be spotted from early May to early June in southeast Alaska.

For more information on the best time to cruise to Alaska, check out these helpful tips:

• When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• What it’s like to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of the season
• What is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise?

The luxury cruisers

Best Alaska cruise: Royal Suite Class on a Quantum Class ship

If budget is no question and you’re looking for the most luxurious cruise experience possible, consider booking a suite on Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas.

All Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska have suites, but these two ships offer the Royal Suite Class, available only on Quantum and Oasis Class ships.

Depending on the suite you book, Royal Suite Class benefits include private dining at a suites-only restaurant, complimentary internet, personalized Royal Genie service, complimentary dining and drink packages, and much more.

Related: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Of course, one of the major benefits of staying in a suite is enjoying more space in your cabin. Because Alaska cruises usually encounter chilly weather, you might find yourself spending more time in your cozy cruise ship cabin than normal, making the value of a suite go even further.

The active adventurer

Best Alaska cruise: Itineraries with longer times in port

Most 7-night Alaska cruises will visit three or four different ports, but the time spent in each port can differ. Some itineraries may include a short, 5 hour stop in one port whereas others may stay docked for 8-10 hours.

If your idea of a fun port day involves hiking or kayaking through Alaska’s stunning scenery, you’ll want to look for itineraries that maximize time in port. This will maximize the time you have to explore the outdoors, whether you’re planning to reach the summit of Deer Mountain in Ketchikan or mountain bike in Skagway.

Related: Local guide of places to visit in Ketchikan, Alaska

The land-based traveler

Best Alaska cruise: One-way Alaska cruise with a Cruise Tour

Trying to decide between an Alaska cruise and a land-based vacation? Why not both?

Royal Caribbean offers one-way sailings to and from Alaska, allowing passengers to combine a 7-night cruise with a land-based vacation. These sailings travel between Vancouver and Seward (and vice versa).

Many passengers start or end a one-way cruise with a Cruise Tour booked through Royal Caribbean. These 2-5 night trips visit Denali, Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Talkeetna.

Related: Ultimate Alaska cruise guide

Alternatively, you can choose to travel without an organized tour. Some passengers opt for a self-guided road trip or stay in a remote mountain lodge.

Regardless of how you travel once in Alaska's interior, a one-way cruise itinerary means you can experience Alaska’s wilderness and beauty more in-depth than on a roundtrip sailing.

The family vacationers

Best Alaska cruise: Any Quantum Class ship

Traveling with kids? Look no further than Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships, which sail roundtrip from Seattle to offer 7-night Alaska cruises each summer.

Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas are both in the Quantum Class, which is known for its abundance of thrill-seeking activities like indoor skydiving, bumper cars, and a surfing simulator.

Related: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2023

Adults will find plenty of ways to keep busy, too, whether enjoying a date night at Jamie’s Italian or dancing to a live rock band at Music Hall.

These ships have it all while still visiting Alaska’s top destinations.

More Alaska tips & tricks:

• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• Top ways to avoid crowds on an Alaska cruise
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?
• Where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise

How do you make an Alaska cruise even better? With the very best tips and tricks that other travelers have figured out for your benefit!

Planning an Alaska cruise is sometimes frustrating. Alaska requires its own strategy for planning, given the variety of tours and things you can do while on an Alaska cruise.

We wanted to the share absolute best Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise tips to help you kickstart your planning and ensure a great trip to the last—and vast—great frontier.

Booking tips

Figure out the best time to visit Alaska for your preferences

The Alaska cruise season generally runs from May to September. While many offerings and experiences on an Alaska cruise will be similar no matter the month you sail, there are a few differences to consider.

May and September are shoulder seasons for Alaska cruises. During these months, you may find fewer families and passengers onboard and lower prices. In addition, you may have a greater chance of seeing the northern lights as fall begins in September.

The most popular months to cruise to Alaska are in June, July, and August. These months are when daylight hours are longest, wildlife viewing opportunities are greatest, and weather is warmest.

Research the best ship for you

Royal Caribbean deploys both large and small cruise ships to Alaska, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Larger ships will offer more onboard activities and venues, whereas smaller ships are able to fit into more destinations along Alaska’s inside passage. Taking a look at what you hope to see and experience while on an Alaska cruise is an important first step before booking a particular ship.

Are you traveling with kids and looking for the most onboard activities? If so, selecting a larger ship like Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas may be the best option. These Quantum Class ships feature the Seaplex, an indoor sports court that offers activities like bumper cars, soccer, pickleball, and more. They also have an indoor pool as well as more bars, dining options, and entertainment venues onboard.

Ships like Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas may be smaller, but don’t let that deter you from choosing one of these ships. Many passengers find that cruising to Alaska on a smaller ship comes with its own set of benefits. Smaller ships are able to fit into more ports, meaning that they can visit destinations like Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. And like Royal Caribbean’s larger ships, these smaller ships also offer fantastic viewing opportunities with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of outdoor deck space.

Consider a balcony cabin

If a balcony stateroom is in your budget, then definitely book one and enjoy the opportunity to have a private area to enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska anytime you see fit.  There is no denying that having easy access and private space, especially when near a glacier, is a lovely perk.

Balcony staterooms may come at a higher cost than interior or ocean view cabins, but for many cruisers it is well worth the cost.

Or… consider an interior or ocean view cabin

One of the lessons we learned from our first Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska was that while a balcony cabin is nice to have, it is not nearly as essential as others led us to believe.

You can still have an amazing Alaska cruise by depending on public areas to enjoy the view.  Royal Caribbean's ships feature ample deck space to enjoy the view any time of the day.  Even when near a glacier, you ought to find great viewing opportunities.  Moreover, the price of a balcony room may be much more expensive than an interior room. You may decide that it is a better investment to book the cheaper room and use the money saved to invest in an amazing shore excursion.

The bottom line is consider all room categories, but do not assume you have to get a balcony room.

Book with a travel agent

One of the top tips we share at Royal Caribbean Blog is to book your cruise with a travel agent. A travel agent will cost you nothing extra, but they can provide extremely valuable help and support during the booking process.

Being able to ask your travel agent questions–and get them resolved–without having to take time out of your day to contact Royal Caribbean yourself will save you valuable time. Additionally, good travel agents have an abundance of knowledge about Royal Caribbean and the cruise industry, so they are available to answer any questions you may have about your upcoming cruise.

Book dining and drink packages in advance

Just like any Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to pre-book any dining or drink packages for your cruise via Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website. Booking early allows you to lock in the price. If the drink package you purchased for $63/day raises to $75/day, for example, you will have paid a much lower price than some passengers onboard.

Likewise, you’re also able to cancel and rebook if the price drops. If you initially paid $220 for an Unlimited Dining Package and it lowers to $179, you can cancel and rebook the package to obtain the lower price.

You can also cancel any packages booked up to two days before your cruise, so there is no harm in booking addons early to lock in the best price.

Book excursions in advance

The same rules that apply to dining and beverage packages also apply to shore excursions; it’s important to book shore excursions in advance. In fact, because popular shore excursions often risk selling out, it’s even more important to book shore excursions ahead of time compared to dining and beverage packages.

Whether you are booking through Royal Caribbean directly or through an outside provider, be sure to research what activities and excursions are recommended in each cruise port. While some ports may be best for whale watching, others may offer the best historic or cultural opportunities.

For more information on what to do in the most common cruise ports in Alaska, check out our guides:

• Top 10 things to do in Juneau
• Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan
• Top 10 things to do in Skagway
• Top 10 things to do in Sitka

Find the best itinerary for you

While there is no “best itinerary” for an Alaska cruise, it’s important to have an understanding of what options are available. Some cruise ships leave from Seattle whereas others leave from Vancouver, some are one-way sailings to Alaska while others are roundtrip, and some itineraries visit more cruise ports than others.

Read more: How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary

Browsing through all of Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise offerings on the website is a good starting point for researching the different options available. Alternatively, you can talk to your travel agent to discuss which option will work best for you.

Fly into your departure port a day early

No matter where in the world your cruise departs from, it is important to arrive to your departure city at least one day prior to the cruise. Flight delays and cancellations, missed connections, traffic, unexpected car issues, and weather can negatively affect your chance of getting to the cruise port on time. Arriving one day ahead of time and staying in a hotel the night before your cruise will give you buffer time in the chance you encounter unexpected delays.

Luckily, Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver, Seattle, or Seward, each of which offers plenty to do, eat, and experience before your cruise begins.

Know the difference between Alaska and Caribbean cruises

If you are used to cruising in the Caribbean, going to Alaska is going to surprise you in some ways with the different approach and experience it offers.

Cruising to Alaska is a port-intensive itinerary with shore excursions that cost significantly more money and far fewer party events.  Unlike the Caribbean where the places you visit can sometimes be secondary, an Alaska cruise is all about where you visit and the onboard experience can almost become an afterthought.

Extend your Alaska cruise with a Cruise Tour

In addition to the cruises, Royal Caribbean offers expanded journeys into Alaska with its Cruise Tour program.

A Royal Caribbean Cruise Tour will take you to incredible destinations that no cruise ship can visit. From the coastline to the heart of the frontier, a Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tour land and sea package delivers all the must-see sights on land.

Either before or after your Royal Caribbean cruise, you can book a Cruise Tour that combines a cruise and a land tour, which usually runs three to seven nights. Popular destinations include Denali National Park (for wildlife viewing), Talkeetna (best place for Denali views) and Fairbanks (Alaska pipeline). 

Every Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tour includes knowledgeable Adventure Specialists who act as guides, historians and concierges. They are by your side for the entirety of the land tour, providing insider tips and local perspective.

Expect abnormal hours in port

Most cruises tend to have port stops sometime between 7AM and 8PM at the latest. Alaska cruises, however, often have more abnormal hours. Some port stops, for example, may be between 4PM and midnight, or you might have two stops in one day!

Most ports will stick to more “normal” hours, but if you’re looking at your itinerary and are shocked to see such bizarre hours for port stops, don’t be too alarmed. Cruises to Alaska run primarily during the summer months when daylight hours are much longer, so it’s possible to be walking around the port at 9 or 10PM in the peak of summer while still enjoying the daylight.

Purchase travel insurance

Travel insurance is always a good idea whether you are cruising to international ports or within the United States. Even though the insurance plans of most US citizens should work while in Alaska, it’s still a good idea to purchase travel insurance prior to your cruise.

Travel insurance can cover travel delays and cancellations, lost luggage or valuables, medical coverage, emergency transportation, and more. It’s always better to purchase travel insurance and not need it than to not have travel insurance when an unfortunate situation arises.

Tips for onboard the ship

Be flexible on ports

Your cruise will stop at a variety of ports in Alaska (with some stopping in Canada as well). Common ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Haines, and Hubbard Glacier, among others. 

Where you visit depends on your ship’s size, itinerary, and embarkation port. However, it is important to remain flexible and understand that your itinerary can change.

Alaska’s weather conditions may lead to high seas, storms, and heavy winds, especially if you are traveling during the shoulder season in early May or late September. The day you planned in Sitka, as an example, could be replaced by a stop in Ketchikan. Or perhaps the ship is unable to sail further into a passage for a glacier sighting.

The majority of sailings do go as planned, but staying flexible is important. Plus, you may end up having a fantastic day in a port you did not plan to go to in the first place!

Find a great spot to watch glaciers and scenery

A unique aspect to an Alaska cruise is that you can see land for the majority of the sailing. They mainly sail through Alaska’s inside passage, where fjords, waterfalls, and mountains dot the landscape on both sides of the ship.

On the first day or two of your cruise, we recommend exploring the ship to make note of areas from which you can view the scenery once you get to Alaska. The pool deck is a popular option, but you may find some hidden gems throughout the ship.

If you’re sailing on a Quantum Class ship to Alaska, head to the back of the Windjammer or the Solarium bridge wings for some fantastic views of the scenery with fewer crowds. On Radiance Class ships, check out the helicopter pad, the front of deck 12 above the bridge, or the Viking Crown Lounge.

Wake up early and stay up late

Traveling to Alaska will have different daylight hours than what you are used to on a Caribbean cruise, especially if you’re traveling in the middle of summer. With as many as 19 hours of daylight in the summer months, don’t forget to wake up early and stay up late to be amazed by the scenery around you on an Alaska cruise.

Try not to worry about the weather

News flash: it will rain while you are in Alaska, but it is also not the end of the world.

Weather forecasts do not always match what you will experience. Be prepared for changing weather daily. Be prepared with varying clothing options (i.e. wear layers).  And when it does rain, just give it a few minutes, as it generally does not last long. Take it all in. And remember, many excursions go rain or shine!

No matter what time of the year you pick for your cruise, the weather can be iffy, so plan for it all.

Bring motion sickness remedies

Depending on the weather conditions outside and time of year you sail to Alaska, you may encounter some choppy seas. While most days should be smooth sailing, it’s always good to plan in advance if you are prone to motion sickness. This is especially true if you plan to book a whale watching tour while in port, as most guests will feel more movement on a smaller vessel.

There are many remedies available for motion sickness, from dramamine to sea-bands or even natural remedies like green apples and ginger.

Take advantage of port lectures

Royal Caribbean offers complimentary lectures presented by higher education staff on the history and culture of the ports your cruise will visit.

It is easy to overlook these types of offerings with so many other activities and things to do onboard your Royal Caribbean cruise, but do yourself a favor and check these out. The lectures provided onboard offer important context for the adventures you will take on shore later in your visit.

These lectures may not offer money saving tips or pitfalls to avoid, but they do offer an insider look at these ports that I think helps improve your appreciation of each city when you go to visit them later.

Relax and enjoy the scenery

Even with all the fun activities you’ll find onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, it’s always a great idea to spend time sitting back and relaxing on an Alaska cruise. Sailing through the Alaska Inside Passage comes with stunning views in every direction, whether you spot whales, eagles, glaciers, or waterfalls.

While it can be tempting to book a full day of fun activities onboard, don’t forget to spend some time relaxing in a comfy chair or on the pool deck to watch the scenery pass by.

Book shows and dining on the first day

Just like any Royal Caribbean cruise, be sure to book any specialty dining and entertainment reservations on the first day of your cruise to ensure you can reserve the days and times that work best for you.

As soon as you get onboard, connect to the ship’s wifi and open the Royal Caribbean app (you do not need to purchase a wifi package to access the Royal Caribbean app). Then scroll through the calendar to reserve any entertainment you are interested in.

If you have a dining package, head to any of the restaurants onboard to reserve all specialty dining days and times for the week.

Bring cards or board games

You may encounter more downtime on an Alaska cruise compared to what you would experience on a bigger cruise ship in warmer weather. While there are certainly enough activities and entertainment options to keep you occupied, some passengers like to spend time playing cards or games with fellow passengers.

While you may be able to find cards onboard, either in the library or Royal Caribbean gift shop, packing a deck of cards in your luggage isn’t a bad idea either.

Confirm Main Dining Room dining times and options

Another thing you should do on the first day of your Alaska cruise is double check your Main Dining Room preferences. When you booked your cruise, you should have selected a dining time and either Traditional or My Time Dining. Additionally, if you would prefer a private table as opposed to dining with others, it’s a good idea to speak with the staff in the Main Dining Room on embarkation day to ensure this is the case.

Shore excursion tips

Book a whale watching tour

Whale watching tours are arguably the most popular shore excursion to book on an Alaska cruise. The chance to view the largest mammals on earth in their natural habitat is simply a remarkable experience, and Alaska has some of the best whale watching in the world.

Whale watching tours are not cheap, but they won’t necessarily break the bank either. Some ports are better than others for whale watching, and some months bring a higher chance to spot whales than others. While you may be able to spot whales from your cruise ship at some point on an Alaska cruise, if you really want to see whales up close, be sure to book a whale watching excursion.

Read more: Alaska cruise whale watching guide & tips

View other wildlife

While whale watching may be popular, don’t miss the opportunity to spot more of Alaska’s amazing wildlife while in port. Bears, eagles, salmon, sea lions, sea otters, and other wildlife are often able to be spotted on an Alaska cruise.

In Sitka, consider visiting the Fortress of the Bear, a bear rescue center located near the city center. In Ketchikan, walk around Creek Street for the chance to spot sea otters playing in the creek. When you’re on a bus tour or walking through town, be sure to look up in the trees to see if you can spot any eagles.

Learn about Alaska’s Native history

While Alaska cruises are famous for providing stunning views, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about Alaska’s history and culture while visiting the state.

Royal Caribbean offers shore excursions with a focus on history and culture in its Alaskan ports. As an example, one of these tours is the Native Cultural and Historical Tour in Sitka, where guests will experience first-hand the melting pot of native Tlingit culture as well as Russian and American influences. 

If you’re hoping to explore Native history and culture on your own, research museums and walking paths in your port of call.

Visit glaciers

While most cruises to Alaska will include a scenic cruising day to destinations like Hubbard Glacier and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, you may also wish to explore glaciers up close while in port.

Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is one of the most visited glaciers on an Alaska cruise, as it is easily accessible via bus or taxi from the cruise port. While at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy walking trails, the spectacular Nugget Waterfall, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

If you’re looking for a truly once in a lifetime experience, you can even book a helicopter tour that lands on top of a glacier in Alaska!

Go on a day hike

Alaska is a dream for active cruisers, offering some of the country’s most magnificent nature and mountains to explore. All Alaska cruise ports offer fantastic day hike opportunities, from the easiest of trails to the most challenging.

Whether hiking to the pointy peak of Deer Mountain in Ketchikan, riding the Goldbelt tram to mellow trails in Juneau, or opting for a low-impact nature walk in Sitka, hiking through Alaska’s forests is a nice way to connect with nature and explore the port.

Kayak near glaciers

Kayaking is another popular active shore excursion in Alaska, bringing visitors to picturesque destinations along the coastline. Some kayaking excursions allow guests to get close to glaciers and you may even spot wildlife while on the tour.

Kayaking is a relatively low-impact activity, making it a great choice for those looking for an active excursion that also allows them to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Go biking or rent a scooter

If you’re looking to explore Alaska in a unique way, consider traveling on two wheels. Bicycle tours or rentals are available in most Alaska cruise ports, allowing guests to see much more of a port than they would on foot. The “Bike and Brew Glacier View” tour in Juneau combines a bike ride with a beer tasting!

If riding a bike sounds too active for your liking, consider renting an electric scooter in Skagway through Skagway Scooters to explore all of Skagway and the surrounding area.

Try local food

One big mistake we made on our Alaska cruise was not taking the time to research where to eat in the various ports we visited. Alaska has some amazing local cuisine, but there are a lot of pretenders alongside the great stuff.

Each port you visit will take you to some terrific spots to eat, so don't rely purely on your Yelp app once in town.  Figure out the restaurants and bars you want to go to before you leave home, especially if you are interested in enjoying the best crab, salmon and beers of Alaska.

Here are a few food and drink recommendations for your Alaska cruise:

• Ketchikan: The Alaska Fish House is a popular seafood spot located just a few blocks from the port. In our experience, a long line formed around lunchtime, but the extremely fresh fish is said to be worth the wait.
• Skagway: On a chilly Alaskan day, not much fills the spot more than a doughy, sugary, and warm piece of Alaskan fry bread. Similar to an elephant ear, Alaskan fry bread is a popular snack in the state, and the place to try it in Skagway is at Klondike Doughboy. Each piece of fry bread is fried to order, and it is guaranteed to warm you up no matter what the weather is like outside. If you’re looking for something more savory, check out the Skagway Fish Company.
• Juneau and Sitka: Due to Alaska’s historical and geographical connection to Russia, you can find Russian influences in Alaskan cuisine. A restaurant to taste Russian flavors is Pel’Meni, which is located in both Juneau and Sitka. Pel’Meni offers steamed Russian dumplings in two flavors: beef or potato. The dumplings are then topped with butter, curry, hot sauce, and cilantro, creating an explosion of flavor with each bite.

Visit a saloon

Just like eating, drinking can be a way to learn more about the culture of Alaska. Our recommendation is to plan shore excursions for the morning and spend the afternoon walking around the port to try local food and drinks.

Dotted along most Alaska cruise ports are small, historic saloons filled with local history, and drinking at a saloon is a quintessential part of visiting any small town in Alaska.

One of the most famous places to grab a drink when cruising to Alaska is The Red Dog Saloon in Juneau. With western-themed architecture and eclectic decor, The Red Dog Saloon is certainly unique. It’s not uncommon for the saloon to be filled with cruisers enjoying live music, drinks, and food before getting back onboard the ship.

Three of the most popular drinks at the saloon are the Duck Fart shot, Glacier Margarita, and Miners Scratch Hard Lemonade.

Taste local beer

If you’re a beer lover, you’re in luck while on an Alaska cruise. A variety of local craft breweries are located in most Alaska cruise ports, offering the perfect place to wind down after a busy day exploring the state.

Here are a few of our recommended breweries to check out while in Alaska:

• Ketchikan: Bawden Street Brewing Company
• Juneau: Barnaby Brewing Company
• Skagway: Skagway Brewing Company or Klondike Brewing Company

Visit the Yukon Territory

If your cruise visits Skagway, you may want to take the chance to visit Canada’s Yukon Territory, located just 15 miles from the center of town. The Yukon Territory, like much of Alaska, offers rugged terrain, fascinating culture, and breathtaking scenery.

You can opt to visit the Yukon Territory by renting a car or motorcycle, booking an excursion, or traveling on the White Pass & Yukon Railway.

Get a taste of Alaska’s Russian history

In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for a price of $7.2 million. Before this purchase, though, Russia had significant influence on the state, bringing architecture, food, and religion to the region. Visiting Alaska today offers visitors the chance to learn more about Russia’s impact on the state.

The best port to experience Alaska’s Russian history is in Sitka, the former capital of Russian Alaska. From visiting Orthodox cathedrals to Baranof Castle State Historic Site, where the formal transfer of Russia to the United States occurred, you’re sure to get a glimpse of the state’s dynamic history while in Sitka.

Pack snacks for shore excursions

It’s a good idea to pack a snack with you while on a shore excursion in Alaska, which may be further out into nature and more active than what you normally book on a Caribbean cruise. Packing granola bars, trail mix, or even the small boxes of cereal you can get with room service is recommended to ensure you don’t get too hungry while on tour.

Always get off the ship

Regardless of how bad the weather outside may be or if you have already visited a port before, always get off the ship when you can. Even if you don’t have anything planned, just walking around the historic port towns can be a nice way to spend a few hours.

If it’s cold and rainy, take shelter in a local seafood restaurant, saloon, coffee shop, or brewery and immerse yourself in the town’s culture while tasting delicious food and drinks.

Packing tips

Bring an all-weather jacket

Even though your Royal Caribbean cruise will take you to Alaska during the warmer months of the year, it can get downright cold (and wet) during your Alaska cruise.

Given its northerly position and varied geography—from mountains and oceans to glaciers and tundra—you can experience several microclimates in a short amount of time, which can mean extreme temperatures in one place, and mild conditions in the next.

There are plenty of great packing choices to consider, but an all-weather jacket is essential to ensure you remain warm and dry in the coldest of temperatures. Here are our top recommendations for the best jacket for an Alaska cruise:

• Columbia Women's Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange Jacket
• Columbia Men’s Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange Jacket
• The North Face Girls' Vortex Triclimate Waterproof Insulated Jacket
• The North Face Boy's Vortex Triclimate Jacket

Wear the right shoes

While you may walk around in flip flops in the Caribbean, you probably will not want to do this on an Alaska cruise! Packing the right shoes to fit Alaska’s terrain and shore excursion opportunities is essential to ensure you remain comfortable during your vacation.

The proper footwear to bring ultimately depends on what you plan to do while in port. Sneakers or other closed toed shoes are the most recommended footwear, especially those that are water-resistant. Rain is extremely common in Alaska, so having footwear that will not make your feet cold and wet is important.

Rugged hiking boots are not totally necessary unless you plan to do a lot of hiking while in Alaska. For walking around Alaska’s towns and visiting popular spots like Mendenhall Glacier, sneakers should suffice

Bring binoculars

Alaska is all about what you see around you, and often the very best of Alaska's natural beauty and wildlife is best seen through a pair of binoculars.

You do not need to go crazy with the fanciest binoculars on the market, but being able to zoom in on a bald eagle resting, or sea lions swimming is worth every penny you spend on binoculars.

On our recent Alaska cruise onboard Ovation of the Seas, we purchased these binoculars and found them to be a great budget option. 

Wear layers

Layers are key when it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise. Weather can change rapidly and several times throughout the day, so it’s important to be prepared with layers of clothing you can take on and off while in port or onboard.

In general, there are three layers to pack:

• Base layer: t-shirt and jeans
• Warm layer: Fleece or down jacket/sweater
• Waterproof layer: Thin waterproof jacket suitable for when it rains

It can actually get fairly warm in Alaska during the day in the summer, so having a few t-shirts and even a pair of shorts can be a good idea.

Pack accessories

Outside of layers, remember to pack accessories for your Alaska cruise. Hats, gloves, and sunglasses are all important items to bring with you to ensure you stay warm in the chilliest temperatures you may encounter.

While you may picture rainy, cloudy days in Alaska, you’ll be surprised at how helpful sunglasses can be on sunny days. Not only is the sun shining down on you, but light will be reflected from glaciers and snow, making sunglasses really nice to have access to.

Buy lightly used clothing

If buying an all-new wardrobe sounds expensive, consider buying clothes on a website like eBay.  A quality jacket is an especially costly item, but buying a gently used one from eBay can save lots, especially for kids.

Additionally, check if there are any used outdoor gear stores in your area. These consignment stores can be an excellent place to find quality outdoor clothing at a lower price.

Don’t pack too many clothes

Packing for an Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming. From puffy jackets to rain gear, boots, dress clothes, and swimsuits, it can be easy to fill up a large suitcase with apparel fit for Alaska’s unpredictable weather.

A big lesson we learned from cruising to Alaska is to pack much less than you think (while still packing the essentials, of course). As the weather in Alaska is colder than on a Caribbean cruise, for example, you may find that your clothes stay cleaner much longer. You may also find yourself wearing nearly the same exact outfit each day in port, as well. 

Remember that you can do laundry

If you’re concerned over not packing enough or what you’ll do if clothes get dirty on a shore excursion, remember that all Royal Caribbean ships offer laundry service onboard. While self-service laundry is not available, you can choose to have a full bag of laundry washed and folded for $35.99 per bag.

While it isn’t the cheapest laundry service in the world, the convenience of washing clothes midway through the cruise and packing lighter can be worth the cost.

Bring a waterproof or water-resistant daypack

While it’s always a good idea to take a daypack ashore, it is especially important to do so when visiting Alaska. You’re going to need somewhere to put your sweatshirt when it gets too warm or your phone when it starts to rain.

Bringing a waterproof or water-resistant daypack with you to Alaska will ensure that your belongings are protected while exploring, rain or shine.

Don’t pack an umbrella

Despite the rain, do not pack an umbrella. Instead, make sure there’s a hood on your all-weather jacket. A hood takes up far less space than an umbrella, leaving more room for your gear and adventure essentials.

Don’t forget a swimsuit

Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit in your suitcase. Even though you’ll encounter colder weather than you are used to on a tropical cruise, the ships Royal Caribbean sends to Alaska tend to have an indoor pool or adults-only Solarium along with jacuzzis.

While you might not spend as much time in the pool as you would in the Caribbean, relaxing in the hot tub on a chilly morning or evening in Alaska can be extremely relaxing.

Quantum Class ships cruising to Alaska offer an indoor pool for all ages in addition to an indoor adults-only Solarium. Radiance Class ships have an indoor pool, but it’s only for ages 16+ as it is located in the Solarium. Jacuzzis are available on both ships.

Remember to pack clothes for onboard the ship

In between packing your down jacket, sweaters, raincoats, and gloves, remember to pack clothes to wear onboard the cruise ship as well. Dinner outfits, formal wear, loungewear, and pajamas are all important to pack for an Alaska cruise.

An expensive camera is not necessary

While some travel guides recommend bringing a fancy camera on an Alaska cruise to capture the state’s scenery, this is not totally necessary. If you have a phone with a great camera, don’t worry about purchasing an expensive camera to use on the cruise. A relatively new iPhone or Android will have fantastic picture quality that you can use to capture your cruise memories.

If you enjoy taking photos and are planning to invest in a new camera, though, Alaska is certainly a great spot to bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Remember to pack wide angle and telephoto lenses!

Bonus tips!

Book the North Star and RipCord by iFLY

If you’re sailing on a Quantum Class ship to Alaska, such as Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas, you’ll likely want to experience two of the ships’ most exciting onboard activities: the North Star (observation pod) and RipCord by iFLY (indoor skydiving).

It’s important to reserve these activities in advance to not only ensure you can try the activity onboard, but to reserve the best time, day, and price that works for you.

Both the North Star and RipCord by iFLY have complimentary and extra-cost options. Complimentary spots for the North Star are available when the ship is in port, but cost extra on sea days ($29.99) or when the ship is visiting a glacier ($49.99). RipCord by iFLY has a 1-minute complimentary flight option or a longer, 2-minute flight available for $49.99.

Just like entertainment, open the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you get onboard to reserve a time slot for these two activities.

Buy forgotten items in port

If you forget a piece of clothing like a waterproof coat or sweatshirt, don’t fret! There are plenty of souvenir shops available at each Alaskan port which offer a variety of clothing to fit any weather condition you encounter.

Plus, most of the clothing you will find in souvenir shops will be branded with “Alaska” or the port’s name, making it a great souvenir to take home with you.

Cruising in 2023 is mostly back to normal following the pandemic-induced changes implemented across the industry in 2021 and 2022. Pre-cruise testing has been almost entirely abolished, ships are sailing at full capacity, and new ships are being constructed.

Nonetheless, there are still a few new changes–as well as evergreen advice–to be aware of before you cruise in 2023. Remaining flexible with policy changes, purchasing travel insurance, and arriving at your embarkation port the day before your cruise begins are all just as important in 2023 as they were in previous years.

Here’s our list of the top 23 Do’s and Don’ts for your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2023.

1. DO remain flexible

Flexibility is key when it comes to planning a Royal Caribbean cruise. Itinerary changes, ship changes, and unexpected weather conditions can alter your vacation plans.

Whether you miss a port due to a storm, a show gets canceled, or your favorite specialty restaurant is fully booked, it’s important to remain flexible.

Keeping an open mind when changes occur is essential to avoid a small change ruining your vacation. If your port stop in Mexico gets canceled, for example, consider splurging on something onboard (a spa treatment, perhaps?) instead of sulking in a pool chair.

Staying flexible ensures you can still have an enjoyable vacation even if unexpected changes occur.

2. DO book refundable cruise fare

If you’re planning a cruise in 2023, be sure to book a refundable cruise fare, especially if the sailing is far in advance.

Refundable cruise fares allow you to receive a full refund of any deposit/money paid towards your vacation prior to final payment date. If you put down a $500 deposit on a cruise, for example, but later have to cancel the reservation, you’ll receive the deposit back with no penalty.

Related: Royal Caribbean refundable versus non-refundable cruise fares

Non-refundable fares, on the contrary, do not provide a full refund of your deposit. Instead, you’ll receive a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit paid minus a $100 per person service fee on the canceled cruise.

3. DO purchase travel insurance

If you have a cruise booked in 2023, make sure to purchase travel insurance beforehand. Good travel insurance plans will cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay coverage, baggage delays, emergency medical coverage, onboard medical expenses, and other unexpected scenarios.

While it’s always recommended to purchase travel insurance before a vacation, it’s especially helpful on a cruise, as the onboard medical center is not covered under most insurance plans that work at home.

Related: Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?

4. DO the online check-in as soon as it’s available

Royal Caribbean’s online check-in opens 45 days before your departure date, and we recommend completing the process as soon as possible.

Checking in on the Royal Caribbean app or website allows you to get ahead of the game in preparation for embarkation day. You’ll provide your documentation information, photo, emergency contact information, etc.

Most importantly, you’ll select a check-in time which indicates when you can arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day. The earlier you check-in, the higher chance you’ll have at scoring an early check-in time.

5. DO book with a travel agent

If you’re booking a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2023, be sure to book with a travel agent. Travel agents act as your own personal expert on Royal Caribbean cruises.

Not only can they provide helpful information and resources throughout the booking process, but they have access to Royal Caribbean’s best deals and offers. Plus, a good travel agent will not charge any fees for their services as they get paid a commission through Royal Caribbean.

Related: Top 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation

6. DO know what’s new for Royal Caribbean in 2023

Royal Caribbean is constantly innovating and building new projects, and there are several new offerings coming to the cruise line in 2023.

First is Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area of Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is set to open in late 2023. We’ll also see the launch of a new Main Dining Room menu, construction finished on Icon of the Seas, and the launch of Royal Caribbean’s first world cruise in December 2023.

Related: What's New and Coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023 & 2024

7. DO remember to do the muster drill

Royal Caribbean introduced their new eMuster safety drill in 2021, which allows guests to review safety information at their own time on the Royal Caribbean app prior to setting sail.

After completing the first two steps on the app, guests must visit their assembly station once onboard, where a crew member will verify you completed the briefing.

Everyone onboard must complete the muster drill before the ship can leave. Therefore, be sure to do this as soon as possible once onboard to avoid being the passenger preventing the ship from leaving!

8. DO confirm necessary documentation

One common mistake far too many first time cruisers make is not understanding which documentation is required to board a Royal Caribbean cruise.

We recommend having a passport for every member of your travel party. If you do not have a passport but are sailing on a closed-loop cruise from the United States, you’ll need the following documents:

• State-issued ID
• Official birth certificate

All required documentation can be found on Royal Caribbean’s website here.

9. DO double check for any remaining Covid protocols and requirements

Compared to a year ago, Royal Caribbean’s Covid protocols and requirements are extremely relaxed. In fact, only a few sailings still require a pre-cruise Covid test:

• Cruises from the US and Caribbean that visit Colombia
• Transatlantic cruises
• Cruises from Australia

Protocols are always subject to change, though, so it’s a good idea to keep up to date on any potential pre-cruise testing requirements for your sailing.

10. DO apply or renew your passport ASAP

While passport processing times are not as long as in 2021 or 2022, it can still take several weeks to receive a new or renewed passport.

We recommend that you apply for a passport/renew your passport with plenty of time to spare. Current processing times are 6 to 9 weeks for new passports (3 to 5 weeks expedited) and 4-5 weeks for passport renewals. These estimates do not include mailing times.

11. DON’T be surprised by last-minute policy changes

While it’s unlikely that Royal Caribbean will reimplement Covid-specific policies like social distancing and mask requirements, it’s always a possibility.

If a new variant or Covid numbers raise alarm, there’s potential for the Covid protocols used in 2021 and 2022 to return on cruises in 2023. This is unlikely to occur, but remaining flexible in case of any changes is recommended.

12. DO book refundable hotels and airfare

Just like cruise fare, we always recommend booking refundable rates on pre-cruise purchases like airfare and hotel stays.

Refundable rates only cost slightly more than the non-refundable options, but provide flexibility in case of any expected situations like canceling your cruise or changing the day and time of your flight.

13. DON’T fly to your cruise port the same day it begins

One of the most rookie mistakes you can make while planning a Royal Caribbean cruise is to fly to your embarkation port the same day your cruise begins.

Weather and air travel is extremely unpredictable. Thunderstorms, staffing problems, tight connections, and hazardous winter conditions can easily cause you to miss a flight. Booking your flight the day before your cruise begins provides a little extra wiggle room in case of any travel mishaps.

14. DON’T wait to book pre-cruise purchases on the Cruise Planner

In the past year, Royal Caribbean has raised prices on many of the cruise line’s most popular pre-cruise purchases. From drink packages to specialty restaurants and shore excursions, expect higher prices in 2023.

The Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay, for example, sold day passes for as little as $88 in early 2022. Today, on the other hand, you’ll likely see prices closer to $200!

Related: Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

Because of these price increases, we recommend booking pre-cruise add-ons as soon as possible. This ensures you can lock in the lowest price possible. Plus, if you see that the price of a pre-cruise add-on decreased, you can easily cancel and rebook the purchase with no penalty.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site

15. DON’T overlook the new Main Dining Room menu

One of the most controversial changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023 is the cruise line’s new Main Dining Room menu. This new menu will feature a themed cuisine each night and will stop offering the same classic dishes previously offered each evening.

Naturally, any change Royal Caribbean announces is met with criticism, and there seems to be a divide between cruisers excited about the new menu versus those against the change.

Related: Royal Caribbean will introduce new main dining room menu in January

Before criticizing the new menu, make sure to give it a try on your 2023 Royal Caribbean cruise. Several new dishes–such as the spaghetti all’arrabbiata or the chipotle-lime-crusted salmon–may end up being your new go-to items.

16. DON’T be surprised by Royal Caribbean policy changes

Speaking of the new Main Dining Room menu, don’t be surprised if Royal Caribbean announces more changes in 2023.

Any current offerings and policies are always subject to change. 2022, for example, saw many policy changes, including:

• Diamond Plus no longer allowed in Concierge Club
• Daily drink vouchers changed from resetting at midnight to resetting at 5AM
• À la carte restaurants can only be visited once per day with Unlimited Dining Package

Looking back at these changes in 2022, it’s possible that additional policies may change, be added, or be removed in 2023.

17. DO consider packing for a cruise in a carry-on

Lost luggage is one of the worst mishaps that can happen en route to a Royal Caribbean cruise. If you’re sailing on a short cruise–or are a light packer–consider bringing a carry-on bag to your cruise instead of checking in large suitcases at the airport.

Related: The Ultimate Cruise Packing List

You can fit a surprising number of clothes in a carry-on suitcase, and you can always do laundry halfway through your cruise if you run out of clean clothes. Plus–best of all–you won’t have to worry about your luggage going missing while traveling to the cruise port.

18. DO expect higher prices than last year

Following the restart of the cruise industry in 2021, cruise fares were lower due to less demand, which continued into 2022. In 2023, though, don’t expect to find cruise fare prices as low as the previous two years.

Related: How much does a cruise cost?

Luckily, there are still many ways to cruise on a budget, including staying in a lower category cabin, sticking to complimentary dining options, and exploring on your own in port versus booking an excursion.

Related: How to plan a Royal Caribbean cruise on any budget

19. DO look for last-minute cruise deals

While cruise fares are higher than last year, you’ll still have the chance to find fantastic last-minute cruise deals. Last-minute deals can be found year round, but are most commonly found during non-peak times of the year.

Less busy months for cruises, such as January, September, and October, see less demand, thus opening up the possibility for last-minute deals. 

If you’re looking to cruise on the cheap in 2023, make sure you know the ins and outs of finding last-minute deals:

• How to get last-minute cruise deals
• Why January is the best time for last-minute cruises
• Why booking a last-minute cruise isn’t always a great idea

20. DON'T expect less crowded ships

A year ago cruises were still operating at limited capacity, and it wasn’t uncommon to feel as if you had the entire ship to yourself. Nowadays, however, this is not the case, and you can expect Royal Caribbean ships to operate near 100% capacity throughout 2023.

21. DON’T overlook Royal Caribbean’s older ships

If you’re planning a cruise in 2023 but aren’t sure which ship to pick, don’t overlook the older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Older ships, while not as big and modern as the newest ships, offer their own set of benefits.

Whether cheaper cruise fares, more unique itineraries, or a relaxed atmosphere onboard, there are many reasons to book a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s older ships.

For more tips and information about sailing on older Royal Caribbean cruise ships, start here:

• Pros and cons of sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship
• 12 differences between the big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships

22. DO expect ships in new ports

Several Royal Caribbean ships have been deployed to new homeports in 2023 whereas others will be cruising to new destinations for the very first time.

Harmony of the Seas, for example, will be homeported in Miami for the first time, whereas Brilliance of the Seas will offer cruises to Alaska.

Likewise, Wonder of the Seas will offer Caribbean cruises throughout the summer, a first for the ship as she spent her inaugural summer season in Europe in 2022.

23. DO understand the new à la carte dining change

Royal Caribbean added a daily limit to the Unlimited Dining Package at à la carte restaurants, and this is something to be aware of as you cruise in 2023.

For restaurants with à la carte pricing, each guest with an Unlimited Dining Package will receive a $20 food credit which can only be used once per day.

This means you cannot dine at Playmakers for lunch and dinner on the same day and have both meals be covered with your dining package. You can, however, dine at two separate à la carte restaurants on the same day (Playmakers for lunch and Portside BBQ for dinner), and have both of these included in your dining package.

Alaska cruises from Seattle visit many of the 49th state’s most beautiful destinations while offering all the comforts found in a cruise vacation. The city makes a convenient start point for embarking on a much-anticipated adventure.

From spending the day exploring historic ports to enjoying wonderful dining and entertainment each evening onboard, it’s easy to see why Alaska cruises are so popular.

If you’re considering booking an Alaska cruise from Seattle, here’s everything you need to know.

Where do Alaska cruises go from Seattle?

Seattle is a gateway to Alaska cruises, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit remarkable, stunning ports on a weeklong cruise. You’ll typically find between 3-4 ports and a scenic glacier viewing day on a 7-night Alaska cruise from Seattle.

Ports may include Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, and Tracy Arm Fjord. Most port stops are between 7-10 hours.

All Alaska cruises from Seattle must also include a port stop in a country outside of the United States. Because of this, you’ll find a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia on each Alaska cruise itinerary from Seattle.

How long are Alaska cruises from Seattle?

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises from Seattle are 7-night roundtrip sailings. This provides enough time to travel to the Inside Passage, visit 3-4 ports in Alaska, and travel back to Seattle.

Some cruise lines may offer longer sailings from Seattle, such as 10-14 day cruises visiting more ports and glaciers, but this is not offered on Royal Caribbean.

Where is the Seattle cruise port located?

Royal Caribbean ships depart from Pier 91 in Seattle, which is located three miles from downtown and sixteen miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

The address of Pier 91 is Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91, 2001 West Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98199.

Related: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises

Alaska cruises on other cruise lines may leave from other ports in the Seattle area. Therefore, it’s important to check which Seattle cruise port your ship departs from if you’re sailing on a line other than Royal Caribbean.

Which cruise ships sail from Seattle to Alaska?

Two Royal Caribbean ships sail from Seattle to Alaska each summer, with Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas offering Alaska cruises each season. These large, modern Quantum Class cruise ships are perfect for any passenger due to the variety of dining options, activities, and cabin categories you’ll find onboard.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Outside of Royal Caribbean, you’ll find Alaska cruises from Seattle on many popular cruise lines including Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian.

Is it better to book an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver?

Most Alaska cruises depart from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia. Deciding which port to leave from is one of the first decisions you’ll make when planning an Alaska cruise.

Seattle is convenient for most passengers from the United States, with direct flights offered to Seattle from around the country. While Vancouver still offers many direct flights to and from the United States, most cruisers find it easier to travel to Seattle.

Cruising from Vancouver, though, allows for more port stops in Alaska. Because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), roundtrip cruises from Seattle to Alaska must include a foreign port stop, so visiting Canada is required on these sailings.

If you’re cruising from Vancouver, you won’t need to stop in Victoria, British Columbia, and this allows for another port day in Alaska instead.

One benefit of cruising to Alaska from Seattle is that Royal Caribbean sends its newer, bigger cruise ships to the city each summer season. Activities like bumper cars, indoor skydiving, surfing simulators, and the latest and greatest of entertainment, bars, and dining are available on these newer ships.

How to prepare for an Alaska cruise from Seattle

Arrive in Seattle the day before your cruise begins

If you’re flying to Seattle before your cruise, be sure to arrive the day before embarkation day. Flying can be unpredictable, and allotting wiggle room in the case of any airline delays or cancellations is recommended.

Plus, by arriving in Seattle a day early, you’ll have more time to enjoy the city’s attractions. Whether admiring skyline views from the Space Needle or eating your way through Pike Place Market, there are plenty of ways to keep busy in Seattle before your cruise begins.

Know what to pack for an Alaska cruise

Packing for an Alaska cruise is totally different than packing for a tropical vacation in the Bahamas. Knowing what to pack can keep you from freezing in port, getting soaked in the rain, or even feeling too warm in the peak of Alaska’s summer.

Our best advice is to pack layers for an Alaska cruise. Having a base layer, warm layer, and waterproof layer ensures you are covered for a wide range of weather conditions.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

In addition to clothing, you’ll also want to pack accessories such as a waterproof daypack, binoculars, sunglasses, and bug spray. 

Book shore excursions far in advance

It’s common to book shore excursions on an Alaska cruise, and with high demand there’s always a chance that an excursion will sell out. Therefore, if there’s an excursion you really want to experience on a cruise to Alaska, be sure to book the tour far in advance.

You can choose to book an Alaska shore excursion directly through the cruise line or through an independent tour company. Both come with their own pros and cons; a tour booked through Royal Caribbean may offer added protection, although it usually comes at a higher price.

Related: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

It’s also important to note that booking an excursion on an Alaska cruise is not a requirement. Alaska cruise ports offer many options for free and low-cost sightseeing, from walking around historic towns to tasting local cuisine and hiking in the mountains.

Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

Research the best time of year to visit Alaska before booking your cruise

If you cruise to Alaska in late September and expect sunny skies, warm temperatures, and 18 hours of daylight, you’re going to end up disappointed. Likewise, if you’re hoping to find a cheap cruise deal to Alaska in the peak of summer, your chances are slim.

Depending on the month you sail, Alaska cruises can vary greatly in terms of weather, crowds, wildlife viewing opportunities, daylight hours, and cost.

Related: When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

The cheapest months to cruise Alaska are in the shoulder season of April, May, and September, although these months don’t always bring the best weather. The busiest times to cruise Alaska are in June, July, and August, so you should expect more crowds during this time of year.

Planning an Alaska cruise from Seattle? Check out more of our top tips & tricks:

• 50 Alaska cruise tips you should use
• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise
• When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

Several changes are coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023, from a new Main Dining Room menu to a Perfect Day at CocoCay expansion. Knowing what’s new with Royal Caribbean can help you book, plan, and enjoy your cruise vacation.

2022 saw several major changes for Royal Caribbean, including the return to service of the entire fleet and launch of Wonder of the Seas.

Every year brings the opportunity for more innovation and new projects, however, and here are 5 changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023.

New Main Dining Room menu

One of the biggest changes announced for 2023 is Royal Caribbean’s new Main Dining Room menu, which will be rolled out in January 2023 across the fleet. The menu features dishes from a new cuisine each night while still offering several of the old menu’s most popular dishes.

Royal Caribbean tested a new Main Dining Room menu on Symphony of the Seas in fall 2022, marking the first new dining room menu in over five years for the cruise line. A main reason for the change was the goal of quicker service in the dining room.

Related: Royal Caribbean will introduce new main dining room menu in January

Royal Caribbean is hoping to change the average dinner time in the Main Dining Room from 90-120 minutes down to 75 minutes.

The cruise line also feels the new menu will increase quality and consistency of the dishes offered with hotter, fresher, and more consistently plated food.

Adults-only beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area of Perfect Day at CocoCay, is expected to open in late 2023. The project was originally announced in September 2021.

This complimentary area of Royal Caribbean’s private island is located adjacent to Thrill Waterpark, although not much is known about what the area will entail.

Related: Guide to Hideaway Beach adults-only beach at CocoCay

What we do know is that Hideaway Beach will increase the island’s capacity by 3,000 guests and it will be the only adults-only area at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Icon of the Seas to finish construction

While the first revenue sailing of Icon of the Seas is not until January 2024, the ship will finish construction in 2023.

In early December 2022, Icon of the Seas was floated out of Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, marking a new construction phase for the vessel. Construction will continue over the next several months and the ship is expected to have sea trials in May or June of 2023.

Related: Icon of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more

Following sea trials, Icon of the Seas will be delivered to Royal Caribbean in the second half of 2023. Delivery marks the shift in ownership from the shipyard to Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean’s first world cruise sets sail

In October 2021, Royal Caribbean announced its first-ever world cruise, a 274-night journey visiting over 150 destinations in 60 countries. The world cruise on Serenade of the Seas sets sail from Miami on December 10, 2023.

From December 10, 2023 to September 10, 2024, Serenade of the Seas will sail around the world in four segments:

• Round the Horn, visiting the Americas and Antarctica
• Wonders of Asia and the Pacific, which includes a transpacific crossing before visiting Oceania and Asia
• Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med, visiting the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Adriatic
• Capitals of Culture, traveling to Morocco, northern Europe, and the Arctic before a transatlantic crossing

The world cruise will mark an important milestone for Royal Caribbean and its success could lead the way to more world cruises being offered in the future.

New homeports and destinations for select ships

Harmony of the Seas will sail from Miami in 2023 for the first time since the ship launched in 2017. Taking the space of Symphony of the Seas (who will spend summer 2023 in Europe), Harmony of the Seas will offer 7-night Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Western Caribbean cruises will visit Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Eastern Caribbean itineraries differ, but may visit St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Brilliance of the Seas will sail to Alaska during the summer 2023 season, a first for the ship. She will offer 7-night cruises from Vancouver with ports including Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Icy Strait Point.

What else can we expect from Royal Caribbean in 2023?

It’s likely that we’ll learn more about Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship, at some point in 2023. Utopia of the Seas is currently under construction and set to enter service in spring 2024.

In addition, Royal Caribbean may also announce more information about their port projects in 2023, from Perfect Day at Lelepa in Vanuatu to the Royal Beach Club in Nassau. These projects have been delayed due to the global health crisis but are still being planned.

Which Royal Caribbean change are you most excited about for 2023? Tell us in the comments!

Certain cruise ports require tendering from ship to shore, but what does this mean and how does the cruise ship tender process work?

Tendering is the process in which a cruise ship anchors offshore and smaller boats are used to transport passengers from the ship to shore. If there is no pier that can accommodate a cruise ship’s size in a particular port, tendering is required.

The boats used for tendering are typically the ship’s lifeboats. Because these boats are much smaller than the cruise ship, many trips are required to transport all passengers from ship to shore.

Let’s take an in-depth look at what it means to tender on a cruise ship, which ports require tendering, and if you should avoid tender ports on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Which Royal Caribbean ports are tender ports?

Most of Royal Caribbean’s most popular cruise ports are not tender ports, meaning you can walk right onto the pier from the ship. These ports include Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Juneau, Rome, and Barcelona, among others.

The majority of Caribbean and Alaska cruises do not require tendering. You’ll find tender ports more common in Europe, Oceania, and smaller northeast and west coast ports.

Some of the most popular tender ports visited frequently on Royal Caribbean cruises include:

• Belize City, Belize
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Catalina Island, California
• Grand Cayman
• Santorini, Greece
• Mykonos, Greece
• Kotor, Montenegro
• South Pacific islands
• Bar Harbor, Maine

How do I know if my itinerary includes a tender port?

There are two main ways to check if your itinerary includes a tender port.

The first way is on Royal Caribbean’s website before you book your cruise. When browsing cruise itineraries, click on the itinerary and select “Explore this itinerary”. This will bring you to a page where you can view a day-by-day schedule of the sailing.

When a ship has a dock, for example, the port will say “From 8 AM - 5 PM” whereas a tender port would note “Tendered from 8 AM - 5 PM”.

The second way is through your Royal Caribbean e-docs. A few weeks before your cruise, you’ll receive an email from Royal Caribbean stating that your sailing’s electronic cruise documents are ready. This document provides information on necessary identification, health and safety, directions to the port, general cruise information, and your ticket contract.

The e-docs also include a Travel Summary page which lists your sailing’s itinerary. On this page is where you’ll find the date and time of each port stop. You’ll also see a column for Dock or Tender, where D stands for a port with a dock, T for a tender port, and a C for a day at sea.

How does the tender process work?

Boarding a tender boat from ship to shore is free, but it isn’t always as quick a process as many would prefer. If you wish to travel to shore soon after your ship anchors, you’ll need a tender ticket.

Tender tickets are available for pickup on the morning of your port day. The tickets have numbers, and when your number is called over the ship’s loudspeaker, you can head to the tender embarkation area and board a tender boat.

The tender ticket pickup location will be posted in the Cruise Compass and/or the Royal Caribbean app. We recommend lining up for tender tickets 15-20 minutes before the tickets are distributed to ensure you receive an early tender time.

Passengers with shore excursions are given priority tendering, so booking an excursion for the morning is something to consider if you hope to disembark as soon as possible.

Once on the boat, tendering is usually quick. However, waiting for your group to be called is what can often take more time than you’d prefer, so make sure to grab tender tickets early.

Should you avoid tender ports?

Tender ports may not be as convenient as docking at a pier, but some of the world’s most unique destinations require tendering. Destinations such as Mystery Island, Vanuatu and Santorini, Greece require tendering, and these ports offer wonderful scenery, culture, and history to discover.

Related: 15 countries you didn't know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

That’s not even mentioning other beautiful destinations like Mykonos, Kotor, Grand Cayman, and Cabo San Lucas, all of which require tendering from ship to shore.

Therefore, we don’t recommend avoiding tender ports when selecting a cruise itinerary. There are certainly pros and cons to tender ports, but there’s no doubt that you can visit some of the world’s most interesting, unique destinations via tender boat.

One of the newest cruise ports in the Caribbean is the Taíno Bay port located in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. This new, tropical port offers visitors access to stunning natural wonders, historic streets, fresh cuisine, and a picture-perfect coastline.

Many cruisers arriving in Puerto Plata are visiting for the very first time, and like any cruise port, it’s helpful to have a general idea of what to expect. Whether you’re interested in laying on the beach all day or hanging out at the port’s complimentary pool, here’s everything you should know about the Puerto Plata cruise port.

Where is Puerto Plata?

Puerto Plata is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Known as the Amber Coast due to the area’s large deposits of amber, this region is famous for its white sand beaches, abundance of waterfalls, and colonial architecture.

The city’s Amber Cove cruise port opened in 2015, which serves primarily Carnival Corporation cruise ships. Due to the success of this port, Puerto Plata constructed a second cruise port, Taíno Bay, which opened in December 2021.

This brand new cruise port is located adjacent to Puerto Plata’s historical city center and provides easy access to beaches and downtown. The port is a destination within itself, as it offers new amenities including restaurants, bars, a pool, and shopping.

Taíno Bay cruise port amenities

While in Puerto Plata, you can choose to leave the immediate port area or spend your entire day inside the Taíno Bay cruise port. Most guests explore both options, spending some time outside the port soaking in local culture and the rest of the day discovering Taino Bay’s amenities.

Here are the highlights at the Taíno Bay cruise port:

Tuk tuks

Taíno Bay cruise port offers complimentary tuk tuk (rickshaw) rides from the pier to the port’s entrance. Tipping the driver is recommended.

Pool

One of the best features at the Taíno Bay cruise port is a large pool with in-pool loungers and a swim up bar. This pool is complimentary to guests, although beverages come at an extra cost.

Complimentary beach beds and chairs are also available at the pool on a first come, first serve basis. With DJ music, tropical drinks, and a way to cool off in the strong Dominican sun, it’s easy to spend a whole port day at the pool.

Food & drinks

Photo credit: Taino Bay Puerto Plata

There are two restaurants located in the Taíno Bay cruise port: Sanmangú and Casa Palapa. Both restaurants come at an extra cost, with most dishes priced between $15 and $20.

Sanmangú is the port’s Dominican cuisine restaurant, serving classic Caribbean fare including mofongo, fried fish, grilled chicken, and Dominican sancocho, a meat and vegetable stew.

The restaurant is named after mangu, a Dominican dish of mashed plantains typically served with fried white cheese and salami. Banana sanmangú is available on the restaurant’s menu.

Photo credit: Taino Bay Puerto Plata

The port’s other restaurant, Casa Palapa, focuses on Mexican cuisine. In addition to these sit-down restaurants, visitors can enjoy coffee and desserts from the Cortaito coffee shop.

If you’d prefer to spend the day sipping mojitos, you’ll have 7 bars to choose from in Taíno Bay. Alternatively, stay hydrated at the coconut stand with fresh coconut water.

Shopping

Like any cruise port, there are plenty of shopping opportunities in Puerto Plata. From budget souvenirs to diamond rings, you can shop the day away in Taíno Bay.

Shopping is located in Taíno Village, the port’s shopping district.

Monkey Island

Located within the Taíno Bay cruise port is Monkey Island. While not technically an island, Monkey Island is an enclosure where visitors can interact with squirrel monkeys.

For $25, you can spend 30 minutes with the monkeys. They will climb, jump, and walk all over your body (and head!), so be prepared to get up close and personal to these adorable animals.

Aviaries

If the idea of monkeys crawling on your head doesn’t seem appealing, you can enjoy several small, complimentary aviaries located throughout the port where parrots and other birds can be seen throughout the day.

Beach lounge chairs

While there is no beach swimming access at Taíno Bay, there are lounge chairs set up on the sand directly across from the cruise ships. Beach chairs are complimentary, but swimming is not permitted.

What to do in Puerto Plata cruise port

While the Taíno Bay cruise port offers more than enough to keep visitors busy, many prefer to explore Puerto Plata’s attractions outside the port area.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Puerto Plata.

Isabel de Torres mountain

As your cruise ship pulls into Puerto Plata, you’ll immediately notice the region’s lush, mountainous landscape, with one mountain dominating the rest.

Towering 2,600ft above Puerto Plata is Mount Isabel de Torres, the tallest peak in the city. Visiting this mountain is one of the most popular activities in Puerto Plata, and for good reason: the views from the top are simply outstanding.

There are three ways to reach the peak: cable car, a windy car road, or a strenuous hike. The cable car is the most popular–and recommended–option. For $10 a person, you can purchase a roundtrip ride on the cable car to the mountaintop.

Once at the top, you’ll find a variety of hiking trails, gorgeous viewing areas, and a Christ the Redeemer statue. One thing to note is that there are only two cable cars running at once, so wait times may be 30 minutes or even one hour to board a cable car on the way up.

The cable car entrance is located 1.3 miles from the cruise port, so taking a taxi is encouraged.

Damajagua waterfalls

Photo credit: Taino Bay Puerto Plata

Why visit one waterfall when you can visit twenty seven? Discovered by tourists in the 1990s, the Damajagua waterfalls are a collection of cascading falls located a half hour from Puerto Plata.

These waterfalls make a perfect excursion opportunity for adrenaline-seekers, and tours can be purchased through your cruise line or from outsider providers.

Tours to the waterfalls include jungle hikes, sliding down waterfalls, swimming through caverns, and jumping into natural pools. Most tours will not visit all twenty seven waterfalls, but you can expect to visit seven waterfalls during your excursion.

Fortaleza San Felipe

History buffs–or those looking for some of the city’s best views–will want to visit Fortaleza San Felipe in Puerto Plata.

This historic Spanish fortress was built in 1577 to protect the city from pirates and other intruders. In fact, it served as a location of one of the few land battles between the United States and France in the Quasi-War in 1800.

It remained in operation for several centuries before being converted into a jail in the 19th century and a museum in 1965.

Today the fort is open to the public for only a few dollars per person. The outside grounds of the fort are complimentary and offer walking paths and wonderful views of the nearby scenery.

Centro Histórico

The historical city center in Puerto Plata may be small, but it’s a charming place to explore for a few hours while in port.

The main attraction in the Centro Histórico is Independence Square, a public plaza surrounded by colonial architecture, including the city’s famous St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral.

The historic center’s narrow streets are lined with museums, shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss a photo opportunity at Umbrella Street–a narrow alley shaded by colorful umbrellas–or the hot pink alley at the Paseo de Doña Blanca.

Have a beach day

If laying on a Caribbean beach (with a cocktail in hand, of course) sounds like the best way to spend your day in Puerto Plata, you’ll find plenty of options.

Some of the best beaches near the Puerto Plata cruise port include Sosua Beach, Playa Grande, and Playa Dorada.

ResortForADay.com has one all-inclusive day pass available at Sunscape Puerto Plata, located 15 minutes away from the cruise port. Amenities include unlimited food and drinks, beach and pool access, and lounge chairs.

You can also purchase an all-inclusive resort package as a cruise line shore excursion, but these do not usually offer as much flexibility or time spent at the resort compared to booking a day pass on your own.

How to get around Puerto Plata cruise port

Taxis

Most cruise tourists visiting Puerto Plata without a shore excursion booked hire a taxi driver for the day. Taíno Bay cruise port has official taxi drivers available who charge between $80-100 total for full day service.

Having a private taxi driver for the day is a convenient way to see Puerto Plata’s most popular sights without hassle. Whether you want to visit the beach, eat at a local restaurant, or tour Puerto Plata’s city center, you can do so with a private taxi guide.

Taxi drivers wait for you at whichever activities you do in Puerto Plata. If you visit Mount Isabel de Torres, for example, your taxi driver will either wait for you at the bottom of the cable car or accompany you up the mountain.

It’s also possible to find taxis for individual rides around the city, but this appeared to be difficult on a recent visit to the port. As taxi drivers wait for tourists to leave Taíno Bay cruise port, most expect a full day’s worth of taxi service instead of a short ride.

Uber

Uber is also available in Puerto Plata, although you will need international phone service to access the Uber app when in the Dominican Republic. Uber is a much more economical option than a taxi, with most one-way rides from the cruise port to city highlights priced between $2-5 each way.

Organized tours

If you’d prefer to travel around Puerto Plata without worrying about transportation logistics yourself, your best bet is to book an organized shore excursion.

For tips & tricks on booking the best shore excursion for you, check out our guides:

• Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port
• Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

Puerto Plata cruise port FAQs

What language do they speak in Puerto Plata?

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. Knowing Spanish is helpful, especially if you plan to leave the cruise port area, but most locals working in the tourism industry can communicate in English.

Is there a free beach at the Puerto Plata cruise port?

The Taíno Bay cruise port does not have beach access for swimming. Those wishing to swim in the ocean must leave the port area and take a taxi or Uber to a nearby beach.

What currency should I use in Puerto Plata?

Because Puerto Plata is accustomed to tourists, paying in USD is widely accepted. Expect change to be given in Dominican pesos.

Which cruise itineraries visit Puerto Plata?

Cruises to Puerto Plata can be found on eastern Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida. The shortest itineraries visiting Puerto Plata are 4-night cruises, but most are 6+ nights.

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?